The COVID-19 pandemic has caught everyone off guard. This while the national lockdown presents new challenges to schools, principals, teachers, learners and parents.

 

We would like to inspire and motivate you with our new series “Spotlight on…” where we will look at how schools face these challenges and what tools they use to achieve success.

– Interview with Principal Chris Zaayman, Maragon Mooikloof

(KLIEK HIER VIR DIE AFRIKAANSE WEERGAWE)

 

1. What first went through your mind when you heard the announcement of a national lockdown?

We had already closed the school a week before the lockdown started, because we saw it coming, so we started closing the school immediately. We were stumped here and there, but we learned good lessons. It’s going really well so far.

2. How did you prepare for the lockdown?

3. What role would you say ITSI’s technology plays during the lockdown?

Those that have ITSI and miEbooks realised that it is easier to upload everything through miEbooks than through Microsoft Teams. However, since our teachers had been using e-learning and the ITSI solution for six years, they found it easier to adapt to Microsoft Teams as well and use that for class too.

 

Maragon Mooikloof is flying at the moment because we use ITSI. ITSI is totally saving our lives. Other schools that don’t have miEbooks are facing great challenges. I am convinced that other schools that don’t have e-learning must look at miEbooks, and specifically ITSI, with new eyes. It’s so easy, we put everything on miEbooks and we’re sorted.

4. How do the teachers at your school experience the national lockdown?

Our teachers were well prepared because we put our heads together a week before the national lockdown to see what will work and what won’t. We have challenges here and there, but the teachers are calm and relaxed and can do their lessons online.

However, the teachers now need to do extra work to prepare because the lessons need to be somewhat adapted, and because they need to set an assessment for every period. It’s easier with miEbooks and ITSI because the teachers can set the assessment with the help of ITSI, and then the lesson and assessment can be sent to the learners through the miEbooks app.

5. How are your Grade 12 learners doing? In general, there is concern about the class of 2020.

Currently, we are a bit worried about the Grade 12s. Mostly as a result of their practical subjects, where they need to complete practical tasks and hours at school. We are going to catch up with the practical elements of these subjects in a way, even if it means that Saturdays will then have to be used.

6. Any advice you could give to other schools?

My thoughts and advice post-COVID-19 is that teaching is never going to be the same again.

 

 

 

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